Staffordshire LOC COVID 19 Update 17th June 2020I am pleased to report that we now have confirmation from NHSE that Optical practices can resume GOS (routine) work, subject to appropriate infection prevention & control measures. The updated guidance and standard operating procedures have also been published. The other development have been around financial support for GOS contractors and the new Amber phase for optical practices in England. This is 'needs' and 'symptom' based approach to patient care, while still prioritising essential and urgent cases. The LOC is always seeking further clarifications and will update you as and when we receive this information. The purpose of this communication is to bring you up to date with some of the latest formal announcements/ guidance. Please find below: 3. College of Optometrists Amber phase Guidance: https://www.college-optometrists.org/the-college/media-hub/news-listing/coronavirus-2019-advice-for-optometrists.html#AmberFAQs 5. College of Optometrists guidance on practice adaptation during COVID-19: https://www.college-optometrists.org/the-college/media-hub/news-listing/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-optometrists.html 6. College of Optometrists news release on use of non-contact tonometry during COVID-19: 7. ABDO updates on: 'Return to practice resources', 'Manufacturer frame cleaning advice' and 'Guidance on dispensing & contact lenses': https://www.abdo.org.uk/coronavirus/ PPE Update It is clear that we are still in period of sustained COVID-19 transmission. Therefore, Optical practices still need to comply with College guidance on social distancing, practice adaptation, infection control measures and wearing PPE. To support you in maintaining service provision, the LOC has distributed some PPE free of charge to the profession, which we initially managed to acquire from CCG emergency supply. We are currently awaiting a further NHS supply of PPE which will be delivered to us through LOCSU. This is a one-off supply which will be distributed in a similar manner to previous on a 'needs only' basis. Therefore, IF do you have specific PPE shortages in your practice, then email Alison at the LOC Office with these details. It is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure there is adequate PPE in place for safe service provision. To assist you, the LOC has compiled a list of PPE suppliers, which can be found on the COVID-19 tab of our website: https://www.staffsloc.co.uk/covid-19.phtml COVID-19 Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES) update I can confirm that we are in advanced stage discussions with the CCG with regards to commissioning of this service in Staffordshire. When this is complete, the MECS pathway will transition to CUES. We hope to be in position to announce something within next couple of weeks. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As ever, please do read this LOC update in full and share with all your staff. If you have any further queries or feedback, then please email Alison Lowell at the LOC Office. Meanwhile, take care and be safe! Kind Regards, Irfan Razvi Chair Staffordshire Local Optical Committee |
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